Related Articles

Get up close and personal with the world's most beautiful landscapes in these unusual and unforgettable places to stay.

There is no shortage of amazing new hotels to book, but for us, the most relaxing moments are those spent under the stars, surrounded by natural beauty and away from our gadgets and devices.

Luckily, travel trends like glamping have grown exponentially in recent years, giving us a plethora of options with direct access to the great outdoors and a stillness and serenity you just can't get in a hotel room.

Here are some of the most unusual places to stay across the globe to get your nature fix.

Deep in the Sahara Desert, Kam Kam Dunes are the ultimate glamping experience. Located far away from any cities or villages, the night sky is as bright as it'll ever be, with panoramic views of the stars and dunes. There are 11 traditional nomadic Berber tents available, all with access to hot water, a private toilet, toiletries, towels and bed linen. Prices start from AUD$151 and include transfers from Merzouga, plus dinner and breakfast.

We've heard that chasing the world-famous northern lights can be tiring and very cold work. Panorama Glass Lodge in Iceland makes observing one of Mother Nature's finest spectacles both easy and cosy. Snuggled inside your own glass igloo, you can watch the northern lights from the comfort of your bed. With a fully-equipped kitchen, a bathroom and outdoor spa, there'll be no need to venture away from the unbeatable view. Prices from AUD$545 per night.

Tucked away in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination. Boasting unrivalled views of the Sydney skyline and a rich, fascinating history, the island is an incredible place to visit. But with so much to see and do, including the 21st Biennale of Sydney which runs until June 11, and the last ferry departing at 11pm, you should really stay the night. Book yourself a glamping tent, metres from the water with a comfortable bed with linen and toiletries inside, from AUD$120.

This campsite in America’s gorgeous Southwest is located on 196 acres bordering Zion National Park in Utah. The luxury tents are located moments away from incredible trails and offer spectacular views of Zion's majestic red rocks. All tents include woodburning stoves, ensuite toilets with flushing water and a private deck, allowing you to enjoy America's wild west without giving up any home comforts from AUD$363 per night.

Nestled into Queensland's Lamington National Park, Nightfall Wilderness Camp offers guests a chance to experience the Australian bush at its best. Visitors can sit by woodburning stoves and listen to the region's native birds while sipping on the complimentary sparkling wine, or relax in their freestanding vintage bathtub and look out into the surrounding nature. Prices start at AUD$795 per night per couple, including all meals and an open bar.

Going on an African safari is firmly on our travel bucket lists but if we're going to do it, we want to do it properly by glamping instead of camping. With giraffe and elephants right outside, One Nature Serengeti in the Tanzanian wilderness has twelve boutique luxury canvas styled tents, all equipped with ensuite bathrooms and private decks. From the comfort of your balcony, you can see the annual migration of thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra as they make their way north to Kenya. Prices on request.